Skills for Success courses approved for high school career readiness indicators

The no-cost Skills for Success rapid training courses that help prepare adults to enter in-demand careers are now approved as career readiness indicators that align with Alabama’s new graduation requirement for high schoolers, the Alabama Community College System announced on Wednesday. 

High school students can sign up for Skills for Success courses across multiple career paths, including fiber optics technician and installer training; hotel operations; bulldozer, skid steer, or asphalt roller training; and multiple CDL courses. While students as young as age 14 are eligible for food and beverage Skills for Success courses, all other courses require that a student be age 16 and older. Students must be age 18 and older for CDL training. 

Each of the Skills for Success courses meets standards for the Alabama State Department of Education’s career readiness indicators, which will serve as a graduation requirement in the state by 2026. 

The first high school to offer Skills for Success was Pike Road High School, where nine high school students participated and earned a credential in skid-steer training in May.  

“Career readiness indicators are vital in providing students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to thrive beyond high school, and we appreciate how the Alabama Community College System has stepped up to ensure that even in high school, our students can experience postsecondary technical training and work-based learning opportunities,” said Dr. Jimmy Hull, Assistant State Superintendent of Education, Career and Technical Education/Workforce Development Section.  

“Together, we are preparing the next generation of skilled and capable professionals who will contribute to the economic growth and prosperity of our great state.” 

Skills for Success courses are developed by the Alabama Community College System Innovation Center alongside business and industry partners. The courses are provided at no cost to the participant, thanks to the support of the Alabama Legislature to address skills gaps in the state.  

The courses are offered in two parts in generally less than a months’ time: a self-paced, interactive theory portion that covers industry standards and best practices, and then a hands-on, in-person training lab with qualified instructors at any of the state’s 24 community and technical colleges. 

Participants who complete the Skills for Success requirements are awarded a credential that signals to employers that the participant has trained for the job. More than 5,000 residents have signed up for Skills for Success courses since the Innovation Center was established last year. 

“Skills for Success is a testament to the Alabama Community College System’s commitment to helping residents reach success, no matter with a certification that takes days or a degree that takes two years,” said Jimmy H. Baker, Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System.  

Residents interested in learning more about Skills for Success courses can contact their local high school guidance counselor or career coach. High schools interested in learning more about the training can visit innovation.accs.edu.